HONOURS AND AWARDS
Our Service to one another is a service to humanity.
The Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) -- Instituted by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
- One the highest awards in the Australian Honours System recognising Australian citizens for outstanding achievement. Kay provided life-long service in the promotion of human rights and social justice.
Australian of the Year (Qld) Finalist -- (2012)
- Kay Danes was a finalist in the Australia Day Awards, recognising her outstanding commitment to human rights and social justice.
The Paul Harris Fellow (PHF)-- Instituted by Rotary International
- One of Rotary International's most prestigious awards: Kay made substantial contributions to the Rotary Foundation.
The Service Above Self Award -- Instituted by Rotary International
- Rotary International's most significant award to an individual Rotarian who has performed service in all five Avenues of Service: Club, Vocational, Community, International, and New Generations Service.
The Moreton Bay College Medal (MBC) 2024 -- Instituted by Moreton Bay College
- Kay received this award in 2024 and joins a prestigious list of recipients, including the former Governor General of Australia The Honourable Dame Quentin Bryce AD CVO (Link to Award). The award celebrates the achievements of past students, providing inspiration for current students and the Community.
Honorary Member of the Golden Key International Honorary Society -- Associated with Southern Cross University
- Golden Key is the world’s largest honour society. Membership by invitation only to the top-performing university students worldwide. Honorary Membership is bestowed upon those who exemplify the qualities and values of Golden Key; the pillars of academics, leadership and/or service.
American Ingenuity Award
Recipient of the American Ingenuity Award 2024
On 13 December 2024, Mr Shawn Van Diver, President and Chairman of #AfghanEvac officially notified Dr Kay Danes of her selection for the prestigious "American Ingenuity Award." The award recognizes outstanding service by Congressional caseworkers, federal agency staff, NGO workers, volunteers, and individuals from all walks of American life who provided crucial support to American allies seeking safety from the Taliban following the U.S. military withdrawal from Afghanistan.
Other Awards
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Queensland Volunteer of the Year Award (Finalist), Qld Volunteering Awards, 2022
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Dennis Lever Award 2020
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Pride of Australia Award, 2013
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Australian of the Year Awards (Nominee), 2013
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Australia Day Awards Citizen of the Year (Nominee), 2009
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Bowman Government Award, 2009
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Women Making A Difference Award, 2006, 2008
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District Governor’s Platinum Award (Kay's year of Presidency), Best Rotary E-Club, NC, USA (2020)
Dennis Lever Award.
“Kay Danes is an inspiration for giving a voice to the oppressed and unjustly accused of the world, and for shedding light on the struggles faced by the Afghan people, particularly women and children.”
-- ( WHO Magazine – October 2010)